Daylilies are often called “the perfect perennial” for good reason—they’re tough, easy to grow, and their vibrant blooms can light up any garden. But here’s the thing: while each blossom only lasts a single day, some varieties can keep reblooming if you treat them right.
Want to turn those quick flashes of color into a nonstop floral show? Here’s how to make your daylilies flower again and again!
1. Choose Reblooming Varieties
Not all daylilies are natural rebloomers, so if you want flowers all season, start with the right type. Look for cultivars labeled as “everblooming” or “reblooming,” such as:
- ‘Stella de Oro’ – a classic, compact variety that reblooms for months
- ‘Happy Returns’ – buttery-yellow blooms that keep coming
- ‘Pardon Me’ – a rich red rebloomer that’s great for borders
Planting these varieties gives you a huge head start.
2. Deadhead Spent Flowers Daily
Here’s the golden rule: remove dead flowers right away. When you leave spent blooms, the plant puts its energy into seed production instead of making new buds.
- Snap off wilted blooms every day or two.
- Pinch them gently at the base of the flower stem.
This simple habit tells the plant, “Hey, don’t make seeds—make more flowers instead!”
3. Cut Back Flowering Stalks
Once a whole flower stalk finishes blooming, cut it back to the base. This keeps the plant neat and encourages fresh growth.
Use clean, sharp garden shears, and don’t be afraid to be aggressive—daylilies respond well to a trim.
4. Feed Them the Right Fertilizer
Daylilies are hungry plants, especially when reblooming. The secret? A fertilizer that’s high in phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer package).
- Apply a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10, in early spring.
- Boost with a phosphorus-rich formula, like 5-10-10, after the first bloom.
This combo fuels strong root growth early on and more buds later.
5. Keep Them Well-Watered
Reblooming daylilies need consistent moisture, especially in hot weather. Aim for:
- 1 inch of water per week (rain or hose)
- Deep, infrequent watering instead of frequent, shallow splashes
Mulching around the base helps lock in moisture and keeps the roots cool.
6. Divide Overcrowded Clumps
If your daylilies used to bloom like crazy but have slowed down, they might be overcrowded. Too many plants competing for nutrients means fewer flowers.
- Divide clumps every 3 to 5 years.
- Replant the healthiest fans about 18 to 24 inches apart.
The best time to divide? Early spring or right after the flowering season.
7. Don’t Forget Sunlight
Daylilies love the sun, and without it, reblooming won’t happen. Give them:
- At least 6 hours of full sun daily
- Morning sun if your summers are scorching hot
Shady spots = fewer blooms, no matter how much fertilizer you give them.
8. Remove Seed Pods
If you see seed pods forming, snip them off immediately. Seed production signals the plant to stop making new buds. By removing pods early, you’re redirecting energy back into flowering.
9. Give Them a Late-Season Boost
For an extra flush of flowers, feed your daylilies again in midsummer with a light application of that phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Combine it with a deep watering session to encourage new bud growth.
10. Be Patient With New Plants
Even the best care won’t turn a brand-new daylily into a repeat-blooming machine overnight. Many varieties take a year or two to settle in before they bloom heavily. Keep up the care, and they’ll reward you for years.
Final Thoughts
Daylilies may be nicknamed “the one-day wonder,” but with the right care, you can enjoy waves of color all season long. Deadhead regularly, feed them well, keep them watered, and choose reliable rebloomers. Do this, and your garden will be glowing with cheerful daylily flowers again and again!
